Study in New Zealand

New Zealand consists of two main islands, the North Island and the South Island, plus Stewart Island and other smaller islands.It is a fertile and mountainous group of islands in the south-western pacific ocean. Legend says New Zealand was fished from the sea. Fact has it that New Zealand was the last land mass on earth to be discovered which makes New Zealand the youngest country on earth. Snowy peaks, lush green pastures with numerous national parks define this country.

ECONOMY

New Zealand has a market economy which is greatly dependent on international trade, mainly with Australia, the European Union, the United States, China and Japan. It has excellent manufacturing and high-tech sectors. NewZealand generates over 60% of NZ GDP,which includes the computer software development industry, film, television and commercial production industry, services like banking, finance, advertising, property, tourism & hospitality, and food processing. The manufacturing sector has shown strong export performance growth, which has encouraged investment and employment growth.

Economic free-market reforms of the last eras have removed many barriers to foreign investment.The World Bank in 2005 praised New Zealand as being the most business-friendly country in the world, before Singapore.

Tourism is a important contributor to New Zealand’s economy and way of life. Tourism contributes almost 9% of gross domestic product (GDP) as well as directly and indirectly employing nearly one in ten New Zealanders. Despite more challenging times in the past several years, tourism remains New Zealand’s second largest foreign exchange earner. Tourism in New Zealand is a $64 million per day industry & it delivers $26 million in foreign exchange to the country’s economy each day of the year. Domestic tourism contributes another $38 million in economic activity every day.

CLIMATE

Since the Maori people named New Zealand ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’, climate has been of paramount importance to the people of New Zealand — many of whom make their living from the land. New Zealand has mild temperatures, moderately high rainfall, and many hours of sunshine throughout most of the country. Its climate is dominated by two main geographical features — the mountains and the sea.

WHY STUDY IN NEW ZEALAND?

The UN publishes a HDI (Human Development Index) every year, which consists of the Education index, GDP Index and Life Expectancy Index. New Zealand has been placed 1st in 2007 owing to very high standards & strict quality control. This amazing feat coupled with a multitude of factors has made NZ a popular choice for international students seeking high quality education away from home.

Academic, profession and vocation studies are offered at universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, secondary schools and private training establishments (PTE’s) which are under the continuous control of Ministry Of Education www.educationnz.govt.nz Research indicates New Zealand students are ranked amongst the top in the world academically. New Zealand has a choice of 8 national universities with a great range of subjects in commerce, science and arts. Specialist subjects are offered at each university.

CLEAN, GREEN AND THE SAFEST COUNTRY

Safe learning environment is offered in NewZealand. It is the first country in the world which declares itself as a nuclear free zone. The environment is green, clean and uncrowned with a small population and wide open spaces. It is known to have a negligible percentage of crime and pollution.

One key decision making factor in the choice of country is the overall environment of the country. New Zealand has a reputation as a provider of quality education offering excellent study opportunities and support services in a safe learning environment. According to the Global Peace Index (GPI), New Zealand was ranked No.1 in 2010 as the world’s safest country.

EXCELLENT CLIMATIC CONDITIONS

New Zealand relishes temperate climate which is moderated by the seas surrounding it. This results in mild summers and cool winters.All outdoor sports and activities are encouraged in NewZealand. One can indulge in sports as these vary from Football, cricket to White water rafting and Bungee jumping. In fact it is widely accepted fact that NZ has one of the most favorable climates in the world. It enjoys the four distinct seasons which are summer (Nov. to March), autumn (March to June), winter (June to Sept.) & spring (Sept. to Nov.) & thus all the people enjoy high quality living conditions.

QUALITY ASSURANCE

The Government of New Zealand has set up nationally recognized processes of quality assurance to ensure that both the Government and individuals are investing in quality education, training and assessment. There are a number of government appointed authorities responsible for approving qualifications in New Zealand and for the quality that determines the delivery of qualifications. These bodies are:

New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) which is responsible for approving and registering all courses and national qualifications offered at polytechnics and private training establishments.

New Zealand Vice-Chancellor’s Committee (NZVCC) which is responsible for approving all diplomas, undergraduate and graduate programmes offered by New Zealand universities.

New Zealand Polytechnics and Institutes of Technology give a more hands on approach to learning providing degrees, diplomas and certificate level qualifications. New Zealand is continually seeking to improve the quality of education and opportunities offered to international students studying here. Besides education, New Zealand offers a lifestyle second to none. So why not develop new skills while exploring new cultures and entertainment opportunities?

INTAKES

New Zealand generally has two intakes including February and July. Some colleges may have intakes thrice or four times a year. Universities usually take around 6 weeks to process an application.And the immigration services again take around 4 weeks for the Visa.

EMPLOYMENT

A full-time International student can work part-time as per the given guidelines:

A full-time student can work up to 20 hours during term-time and full-time during vacations;

A student can earn from $14- $16 per hour i.e. $1,120 – $1,280 per month.

After the successful completion of the studies a student can stay back in the country on a Graduate Job Search Work Permit for duration of 1 year. The work permit can be extended after gaining a job offer in the relevant area of study.